Anxiety

There are several types of anxiety but they are all quite miserable to endure. It is the number one ailment in the western world and is associated with depression and obsessive-compulsive conditions. It is also a clear precursor to childhood and adolescent depression.

Anxiety is called by many names associated with different manifestations of the condition: social anxiety, performance anxiety, panic, phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress.

In mild forms most anxiety is normal. Who hasn’t felt a bit nervous before a big event? Mild forms can also be healthy. They make us cautious in potentially dangerous situations like walking in the street at night or hiking in remote wildlife filled areas. They cause us to study more or be vigilant about knowing our children’s whereabouts. Anxiety, no matter how it’s manifested, only becomes a “disorder” when it interferes with daily life and the enjoyment of life.